Dispelling myths

No question, hemorrhoids are a still considered a taboo subject. This is one of the reasons why false convictions have stubbornly persisted.

Myth: Hemorrhoidal disease originates from sitting on the sidewalk.
Cold stones or heated car seats are often blamed for the formation of enlarged hemorrhoids. This is definitely not the case. "Cold sitting", however, can cause anal thrombosis.

Myth: Excessive cycling may cause hemorrhoidal disease.
The assumption that hemorrhoidal disease may originate from excessive cycling and a hard bicycle saddle is also wrong. Cycling relieves the pelvic floor and thus may be favorable in the early stages of the disease.

Myth: Only older people are affected.
Hemorrhoidal disease is a very common condition in adults. Increased pressure on rectal veins, can lead to enlargement of hemorrhoids at any adult age mostly between 30 and 60 years.

Myth: There is no cure for hemorrhoidal disease.
Depending on the stage of the disease, there is a variety of therapy options available. These include changes in diet and life style, topical treatment, less invasive methods such as sclerotherapy or rubber band ligation and surgery.

Myth: Anal intercourse is responsible for hemorrhoids.
Anal intercourse may decrease anal pressure but is not responsible for anal incontinence and hemorrhoidal disease.